Timeless Mist

by Terisa Wilcox

  Sorcha took a deep breath and looked not at Iain, but at Kris. "I was at a party to celebrate the new millennium. That's part of why we all were so excited, the new year we were going into was the year 2000."

  Kris opened her mouth to speak, to question, to gasp or to scream, she wasn't sure which. Unfortunately, nothing came out. She stared at Sorcha then looked at Elsbeth, then at Iain. A numbness began in her brain, working its way throughout the rest of her body and a buzzing sounded in her ears. The room spun in dizzying circles before she succumbed willingly to the darkness.

  Iain caught Kris just before she slumped out of her chair onto the floor.

  "Put her on my bed, Iain." His màthair instructed, standing to follow him.

  Elsbeth was already placing a cloth into the water basin at his màthair's bedside. He lay Kris down gently and brushed the hair out of her eyes. Before he could do aught else, his màthair was beside him, loosening the laces on Kris' shirt while Elsie bathed her face in the cool water.

  Iain could do nothing but stand aside and watch, hoping Kris would be all right and that this shock wouldnae damage her in any way. He was nearly as stunned as she by his màthair's declaration. 2000.

  He could barely fathom it, the numbers sounding strange and foreign to him. Of course, he could count that high, but never had a reason to do so. Until now. Now he had two reasons to become familiar with those numbers.

  He gazed at Kris, lying on his màthair's bed looking alarmingly white and came to a decision. He would return her sack to her. 'Twas only right and proper that she have it. Now that he knew she indeed spoke the truth he could see no sense in withholding it from her. He would get no information out of it anyway because he couldn't even open the blasted thing.

  "I shall return shortly, màthair." He said, before he turned and strode purposefully from the room.

  Sorcha acknowledged him with a wave and a nod of her head, but said nothing. She continued to pat Kris' hand, hoping she would soon rouse from her faint and that she would understand and forgive Sorcha her deception.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kris revived from her faint a short time later. She sat up with Sorcha's help and looked around. Well, she was still here. She wasn't sure why, but it didn't matter anymore. She put a hand to her head to try to stop the spinning and looked at Sorcha.

  "2000?" she asked in little more than a whisper. "You did say that, didn't you? You're from the year 2000?"

  Sorcha took her hand and sat beside her on the bed. She took a goblet from Elsie and handed it to Kris.

  "Yes. I'm from the year 2000. Or very nearly anyway. I was born in 1979."

  Kris met Sorcha's eyes over the rim of her cup. She drank almost the entire goblet of weak wine before she handed the cup back to Sorcha. She noticed as she did so that her hands shook. It was all so unbelievable. She just wished she could put it all in perspective and make it make some kind of sense.

  But it didn't make sense. Not any of it. Not only had she found herself tossed unceremoniously back in time, but she was sitting in the same room with a woman three times her age whom she might have been friends with at some point in the future who would have been close to her own age at the time. A woman she was friends with in the past.

  She was beginning to get that numbing sensation in her brain again. She put both her hands to her head and stuck her head between her knees. She absolutely refused to faint again. Never in her life had she fainted before. Not even when she'd caught David in bed with one of her so-called friends. She was not about to let it happen again. Once was enough. Twice was two times too many in her opinion.

  When the dizziness lessened enough, she looked up and glanced around the room. "Where's Iain?"

  Sorcha and Elsie exchanged cryptic glances, before Sorcha spoke. "He went to fetch something. He shall return in a few moments."

  "Oh. Well maybe I should wait until he returns before I grill you some more." She shook her head at her silliness. "Never mind." She gave Sorcha what she knew was a piercing look, "Did you ever try to get home? Do you know if there's a way for me to get back to my time or not?"

  "I'm not certain ye can handle anymore shocks today, Kris."

  Kris shook her head and sat up a little straighter. "I don't really think anything you have to say from this point on will shock me as much as finding out that, had things been different, you and I would have been nearly the same age." She lowered her voice when she realized she'd been near to screaming that last bit.

  "Look," Kris said, making every effort to keep her voice level, "I'll admit, learning the year you were from was quite a shock. I suspected you were from the twentieth century after I talked with Iain today and we compared notes. I had no idea you were from a year so close to mine and that was a hell of a shock. But I still have questions that I need answers too." She met Sorcha's gaze, "please."

  Sorcha shook her head and sighed, a bit sadly to Kris' way of thinking.

  "Very well then, I shall answer the rest of your questions to the best of my ability." She sat down on the edge of the bed next to Kris. "Ask away."

  "Answer my first question." Kris furrowed her brow, "I mean my last question."

  "Nay, lass."

  Kris waited, but apparently that was all she was going to get unless she pushed for more. Though it wasn't in her nature, she pushed. "That's it? That's all I get? Just a 'nay, lass'?" She raised a brow at Sorcha and glanced at Elsbeth when she heard a snicker from that direction. When she looked at her though, Elsie's face was impassive as always.

  "Humph." Kris grunted, scrambled around Sorcha and off the bed. She crossed her arms in front of her, turned and faced the woman squarely. "There's more to it than that. I know there is, so spill. Tell me what you know."

  The silence in the room grew as the two women gazed at each other. The only sounds that could be heard was the fire giving an occasional crackle and Kris' foot tapping impatiently on the carpeted floor. Just when Kris thought she might have to push harder, Sorcha spoke.

  "I did try to get home. Several times as a matter of fact. I was just as frantic and scared as you were, well, I mean are, to get home." She spread her hands and looked at Kris, "I could find no way to return to my time." She walked over and stood before Kris, "I'm sorry, Kris. If I knew of any way to accomplish it, I would tell you." She put her hands on Kris' shoulders, "but then again, if I knew of a way, I wouldn't be here now, would I?"

  Kris thought about that for a moment before she shook her head and relaxed her rigid stance.

  "No, I don't suppose you would be." She offered Sorcha a weak smile and sat down on the edge of a chair, her hands folded in her lap. "So now what do we do?"

  Sorcha smiled and kissed her on the forehead before she too sat.

  "First thing's first. I wish ye to tell me all that's been happening since I was sucked back in time. I realize it was only eight years from when I came here to when ye did, but I know a lot can happen in that time." Sorcha's eyes were bright, "by any chance do you know what's been happening on General Hospital?"

  Kris couldn't help it, she burst out laughing. A few moments later, she wiped the tears of mirth from her eyes and, still chuckling, told Sorcha, "no, I'm sorry. I watched it for a while when I was in high school, but with my busy schedule I just don't have time anymore."

  "That's alright. It doesn't really matter anyway. I've grown used to filling my time with other things. Although when I first got here, I thought I would go stir crazy without something to do."

  Kris nodded in complete understanding.

  "Did Iain's father believe you?"

  "Not at first, but then I showed him a few things I had with me that finally convinced him."

  "Oh? And what did you have with you?"

  "I still had my purse with me. You know, one of those big ones. I carried it everywhere. I had it stowed in a locker at the party, but I needed things from it because I wanted to freshen my make-up while I was in the lady's room. After I showed Alistair my driver's licens
e and had him taste some of the candy bar I'd had in there, among other things that are long gone now, he grew less skeptical."

  "What I wouldn't give for a candy bar right now. Or a soda. Or coffee. I would give almost anything for some kind of caffeine."

  "I can identify with that." Sorcha agreed emphatically. "Try not having any for forty years or more." She rolled her eyes.

  "You're sure there's nothing resembling that anywhere to be found?"

  Sorcha shook her head, "unfortunately nay, not unless you know how we can get some from Italy."

  "Hmmm, I'll have to work on that one. I have some, err, had, some in my backpack."

  "Why, may I ask, was it in your backpack?"

  "I told you I was visiting Scotland, right?"

  "You did."

  "I put extra stuff in my backpack, you know, just in case I lost my luggage. I like to be prepared." Kris looked around the room then back at Sorcha, "I was never prepared for this."

  Sorcha chuckled. "I imagine not. So what exactly did you have in that thing? It must have been huge."

  "Oh, it was. I got the biggest one I could find as soon as I knew I was approved for the trip. I told you, I like to be prepared." She smiled, "I had everything in it I could ever possibly need, just in case. I'd say I was pretty much covered for almost anything for about a month. I'm actually surprised they even let me on the plane with it. I had an extra toothbrush and toothpaste, my license and college id, my wallet, a camera, extra socks, jeans, that type of thing. I also wasn't sure how the coffee would be over here, you know, that tea thing," she shuddered a bit, "so I brought my own. Granted it was only instant, but it was the absolute biggest jar of instant coffee I could find. I knew I would be in Scotland for a while and I figured by the time I ran out, I would accustom myself to whatever there was over here, as long as it contained vast amounts of caffeine."

  "Well damn." Sorcha swore, "I wish I knew about that."

  She knew that Elsbeth had put Kris' backpack in her room with her. When Sorcha had looked for it, however, it hadn't been there. She and Elsie both knew who had it.

  Kris sat quietly for a few moments, debating with herself whether or not to tell Sorcha the entire truth. About who she really was, her real last name. She hated keeping such a big secret and if she could tell even one person, it would at least lift some of the guilt she carried.

  If she could tell anyone, it would be Sorcha, seeing that the woman would probably not immediately call her spy and have her thrown into the dungeon without even giving her a chance to explain. Her mind made up, she broached the subject with caution until she got a feel for things.

  "Can I tell you a secret?"

  Sorcha looked momentarily shocked. "Of course you can."

  Kris glanced over her shoulder.

  Sorcha noticed the direction her gaze wandered and nodded to Elsie who went and closed the door, putting herself on the outside.

  "I didn't mean for Elsie to leave. I mean, she could have stayed. If you trust her, then I would too."

  "It's not that. I am assuming it's something you don't wish Iain to know, otherwise you would have waited until he returned."

  Kris nodded emphatically.

  "If Iain should return while you are divulging this secret, Elsie will tap lightly on the door so we won't be surprised."

  "Thank you. And no, I don't think Iain would react, shall we say, kindly, to this news. I may end up in the dungeons as a spy if he finds out. Despite whether he now believes me about my past err, future, umm, well you know what I mean."

  "I know what ye mean. And as far as keeping your secret, as long as it will no' hurt anyone here, I see no reason to share it." Sorcha crossed her heart and held out her hand, pinky finger extended. "I pinky swear," she said, a wide grin on her face, her eyes sparkling.

  Kris knew her smile was just as wide as she held out her hand in similar fashion, "pinky swear."

  They hooked their pinkies together and shook their hands, looking solemn. Their eyes met and they giggled.

  "Now, lass, what is this big secret?"

  "My last name." Kris watched Sorcha closely for her reaction, "it's not exactly Armstrong. It's not exactly English, either."

  Sorcha nodded, urging her to continue.

  Kris took a deep breath and blurted, "my last name is actually Campbell," before she thought better of it and chickened out.

  "Ohhhh," Sorcha breathed.

  "Exactly."

  "I agree with you, you shouldn't have told Iain. At least not at first. He would have put you in the dungeons until he had time to question you thoroughly as a spy, or worse. He may have tried to ransom you back to the Campbell's. What a disaster that would have been."

  "You can say that again." Kris hadn't even thought of that possibility before.

  "But maybe you should tell him now."

  Kris shook her head. "I can't. Not yet." She reached for Sorcha's hand, "he's had several shocks in the past few hours. Don't you think he's had more than enough for one day?"

  Kris waited what seemed an eternity before Sorcha hesitantly nodded her ascent.

  "I'll agree with you for now." She held up her hand when Kris rose from her chair, "for now, Kris. I must tell you, Iain hates lies. It's the one thing he cannot and will not abide. He looks on them as a betrayal and he will not like it if he thinks he's been humiliated by believing one. His father was the same way. I urge you to tell him soon."

  "I will," Kris agreed even as she hugged Sorcha, "thank you."

  Sorcha kissed her cheek, "you're welcome." She would have said more, but Elsie knocked lightly on the door just then.

  "Must be Iain." Kris said, a small smile on her face.

  Sorcha nodded, "ye like him, dinnae ye?"

  Kris shrugged. "I suppose so. Even if he can be an overbearing, sometimes unreasonable and opinionated jerk."

  Sorcha laughed as Elsie let Iain in. He looked from his màthair to Kris and decided not to ask what was so amusing. 'Twas better if he dinnae know.

  "Where did ye run off too, Iain?" His màthair asked with a slight raise of her delicate brows.

  "I needed to retrieve something." He said and without preamble held out his hand.

  Kris gasped. "My backpack! Where did you find it?"

  "Raibert retrieved it from the wood where he found ye unconscious. He gave it into his màthair's care" he nodded in Elsie's direction, "for safe keeping ye understand." He looked down for a moment and Kris was struck by how much he reminded her of a small boy about to be scolded for something he knew he shouldn't have done. "I searched for it and discovered where she'd hidden it." He looked at her apologetically, "I kept it as I thought it might provide me wi' some clue as to who ye really where. Mayhap help me return ye to your clan."

  Kris held her breath, waiting for him to tell her he discovered who she was and that she had lied to him.

  "I couldnae get it to open." He admitted sheepishly. "I opened this little pocket here," he indicated the pocket where she kept her cd player. It was the perfect size for it. She had an mp3 player as well, but she hadn't had time to transfer all her favorite music to it yet, nor read all the directions for it, so she'd left that at home.

  If Iain hadn't opened the large pocket yet, then he didn't know she was a Campbell. She sighed in relief. Her secret was still safe, for now at least. Until she worked up the courage to tell Iain the truth, it was better this way. Maybe she'd have some time to prepare him for it. Sorcha would help, of that she was certain.

  She reached for the bag and smiled.

  Sorcha grasped her shoulder, "ye said ye have coffee in that?" She asked, her excitement evident.

  Kris nodded. "Would you like some?"

  "Oh yes. I'd also like to see what else ye have carried in that thing. 'Tis huge."

  "I told you it was the biggest one I could find. It's smaller than a suitcase, but not by much," she giggled. "We just need some mugs or goblets, something that will hold some hot water. I also need some cream and sugar."<
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  Sorcha nodded and asked Elsie if she would get those things.

  Elsie nodded, "I'd like to try some of this coffee as well. Iain?"

  Iain nodded, "oh, aye. I too would be verra interested in seeing your treasures, Kris."

  "Sure. We can go through it all while we drink our coffee." Her grin was so wide and lit her eyes with such a light, that Iain caught his breath.

  Sorcha noted it, but said nothing. She would broach the subject later, after things had settled down a bit. She was unsure how receptive to her idea either of them would be. She would watch them for the remainder of the afternoon before she voiced her proposal. Mayhap she would be better served to speak with Iain about her idea first. He might be more receptive to the suggestion.

  Sorcha led them back to her sitting room, while Elsie hurried off for the required items. Kris set her bag on the table and moved to the fire to heat some water. Satisfied she had enough for everyone, she returned to the table and opened her pack. Iain watched intently as she unzipped the center and began to remove items from inside. So that's how it was done.

  Kris pulled out her jeans and a warm sweater and set them aside for now. Next, she took out several pairs of socks, and immediately sat down to put on a pair.

  Iain stared in amazement. "What are those?"

  "These are socks. I'm finally going to have warm feet. Nobody will see them beneath my gown, and even if they did, I wouldn't care. I hate being cold and cold feet are the absolute worst."

  Sorcha laughed. "After all these years, lass, I still ha'e not gotten used to the chill. Although this is a verra warm spring this season. Winter is far worse. Unfortunately, I ne'er learned to knit or crochet, in my time or in this one. I could ne'er work the needles."

  "I can do both, actually. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was younger and I taught myself to knit a few years ago." She finished pulling on her socks, replaced her slippers and sighed in relief. "I prefer crocheting. It's faster. I tend to like instant gratification when I'm being creative. If we can get some yarn, I can make some socks for you." She looked at Iain with a teasing grin, "I can even make you some for those big feet of yours."